Study puts science education under microscope

How to widen the pool of young people
pursuing careers in science and technology is driving a
study into science education across Lower Hutt secondary
schools.

Hutt City Council is leading the study with
support from the city’s wealth of science, and
technology-based businesses who report too few New
Zealanders prepare themselves to take advantage of the
exciting career and entrepreneurial opportunities available
in these industries.

The study supports Mayor Ray
Wallace’s commitment to transforming Lower Hutt into one
of the country’s leading economic growth centres, based on
science, engineering and technology.

“I believe we need
to engage our young people in science at an early stage and
grow their interest so they take up further education and
possibly one day, end up working for one of our
world-leading local companies or establishing their
own.

“This study will help us get a better understanding
of the situation in our secondary schools and we will work
with local principals and teachers to determine what, if
any, actions Council could take to support science teaching
and to encourage more of our young people to continue their
involvement in science subjects,” he says.

The study
will also include a number of science-based organisations in
Lower Hutt and relevant professional associations and
research organisations.

Results from the study are
expected in July.

The study follows the recent
introduction of a Mayoral scholarship to support the
teaching of science education in Lower Hutt primary schools.
Thirteen teachers have received the scholarship and enrolled
in the Open Polytechnic’s Graduate Certificate in Primary
Science
Teaching.

ALSO:

WorkSafe NZ has laid one charge against the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in relation to the shooting at the MSD Ashburton office on 1 September 2014 in which two Work and Income staff were killed and another was injured. More>>

New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters has announced his intention to stand in the Northland by-election, citing his own links to the electorate and ongoing neglect of the region by central government. More>>

The Government has appointed 12 New Zealanders as members of the Flag Consideration Panel which will engage with the public about a possible new New Zealand flag, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English says. More>>

ALSO:

ALSO:

The first I knew of my mother’s charges was when I was called by a reporter yesterday. I spoke to Andrew and we agreed there is a conflict of interest at the present time which means I will temporarily stand aside from the Social Development portfolio. It’s the right thing to do… . More>>